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8 News LS Jayson Tufrey PERHAPS one of the most unsung roles in theatre is, hands down, one of the most utilised services by everybody deployed to the Middle East Region (MER) on a daily basis. The triservice environment of Force Communications Element 2 (FCE 2) is the backbone for all modes of communication into and out of the MER. FCE 2 provides computer networks throughout theatre, and the important morale-raising Amenities Internet Access (AIA) Wi-Fi network, which gives deployed members access to Skype, social media and email services to allow them to maintain contact with loved ones back home. The Communications and Information Systems (CIS) node second in command, FSGT Paul Richardson, said he was proud of the work his troops did. “Every time an aircraft comes in, there are literally hundreds of people lined up out our door after DRN, DSN and AIA access,” he said. “This, along with the normal backlog of jobs my team has queued up, can be taxing on them – I try to manage that as best I can with rotating them so they don’t get too burnt out. “One of the biggest challenges here is the dynamic nature of personnel movements. There are people moving, positions disbanded and new ones stood up all the time – it always involves IT network changes and infra- AIRF RCE February 26, 2015 Connecting MER to Communications and Information Systems Controller LACW Emma Groth deployed with Force Communications Element 1 in the MER. structure installations and that keeps all my troops busy. “There is no flat period, it’s always a high tempo and it peaks even higher when the planes land.” CIS staff are required to man the front desk where they field inquiries and set up accounts for all networks. The communications technicians work out the back and perform scheduled maintenance on assets and infrastructure. Should pits need to be dug and cable or fibre optic lines run or spliced, the Theatre Line Detachment, a separate unit, is used by the communications node. The Theatre Line Detachment are a mobile unit of technicians who specialise in new installations of communications infrastructure and can deploy to anywhere in the theatre they are required. FSGT Richardson said he was Photo: SGT Hamish Paterson impressed with the positive attitude his staff had maintained throughout their deployment. “I’m exceptionally proud of the work the help desk has done. Their ability to keep on motoring through person after person, presenting with a variety of faults and inquiries, is outstanding. Rarely are they completely stumped and if they are, they always find the right person to rectify the issue pretty quickly,” he said. Signal linesmen conduct routine maintenance on the communications tower at the main logistics base in the MER. Photo: CPL Janine Fabre “The level of professionalism displayed by these guys in conjunction with the expertise of technicians out back makes it very easy to do my job. “The sacrifice these guys make is unheralded too. “They spend seven months up here and, prior to that, they undertake mission readiness evaluation over about 10 weeks, so essentially they are away from family and loved ones for up to nine months.” Package a new car and save on tax Let the team at Fleet Network show you how to save thousands when buying your next new car. It’s all about using your pre-tax salary, and taking advantage of all the additional benefits only Fleet Network can offer. It’s worth a call – it’s your salary, after all. Mention this advert prior to completing your contract and get a bonus GoPro HD Hero Camera or an iPad Mini when your new vehicle is delivered! 1300 738 601 www.fleetnetwork.com.au/bonus Fleet Network Pty Ltd. To qualify for this offer you must mention this advertisement to Fleet Network prior to the completion of your initial contract. Vehicle must be new and supplied by Fleet Network. Not valid in conjunction with any other current Fleet Network offers. Employees should consult their employer’s salary packaging policy before entering into a contract. *Subject to Employer policy. Vehicle for illustration purposes only.